Special Education Teacher - CCS

START DATE: 2025-2026 School Year

HOURS OF WORK:  Full-Time Certified Exempt; 185 Days (5 Teacher Induction Days First Year in District) 

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Open until filled

STARTING SALARY: At Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District, new teachers can earn up to $51,750 with base salary and 301/Pay for Performance incentives. We also value experienced educators, offering placement with up to 20 years of credit for your dedication and expertise. Whether you're just starting out or bringing years of experience, join a district that invests in its teachers and students!

CERTIFICATIONS: Valid Arizona State Teaching Credential with appropriate subject matter endorsement. Meeting the definition of “Appropriately Certified” under the Every Student Succeeds Act or alternate teaching certification pathways available with a bachelor’s degree.

BENEFITS: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, & supplemental coverages. PTO accrual of one day a month. District matched contributions with ARIZONA STATE RETIREMENT (ASRS).

LEARN MORE ABOUT COCSD & THE VERDE VALLEY:

CLICK HERE COCSD OVERVIEW

CLICK HERE VISIT COTTONWOOD

CLASS TITLE:  SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER - Cottonwood Community School

BASIC FUNCTION

Provide special educational setting and programs to enable students with special needs to function successfully in the least restrictive alternative.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Provide special educational setting and programs to enable students with special needs to function successfully in the least restrictive alternative.

• Teach basic perceptual and academic skills on the level of the pupil's emotional, physical and intellectual needs as determined by the individualized education plan (IEP) team; participate in the preparation of the IEP and implement written instructional plans for students.

• Provide individualized and small group instruction in academic areas and other areas as identified by student's annual goals and objectives.

• Involve students in individualized and small group discussions on problems which relate to the student's total growth and development.

• Develop student competencies that promote personal hygiene, social skills, physical development, safety skills, and vocational awareness, as needed by each individual student.

• Provide support services to the regular classroom where students are integrated.

• Administer ongoing assessment to each student as mandated by the established processes.

• Maintain current student files.

• Serve as a member of an appraisal team for reevaluation as assigned.

• Confer with parents and professional staff members on each student's progress.

• Responsible for instructing aides and other individuals assigned to the classroom in required procedures related to classroom operation.

• Attend workshops, staff meetings and in-services.

• Evaluate, purchase and create materials appropriate to students with learning challenges.

• Serve as a liaison with school community personnel.

• Assist students in developing acceptable student behavior, attitudes and social skills recommended by their IEPs.

• Request and organizes materials.

• Arrange with school administrator and regular classroom teacher for integration of pupils into regular classes for instruction in areas where students can meet success, assumes monitoring of students' progress in regular class.

• Provide input into general policies for classroom and equipment, instructional materials.

• Operate a computer and standard office equipment.
• Administer basic first aid and CPR as needed.

OTHER DUTIES:

Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Unique learning needs commonly manifested by specific impairments.
• Instructional materials and techniques.
• Child guidance principles and practices.
• Principles of training and providing work direction.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Applicable sections of the State Education Code and other applicable laws.
• Research methods and report writing techniques.
• First aid and CPR.
• Current trends and research concerning the growth and development of children.

ABILITY TO:

• Communicate technical information to parents in easily understandable terms verbally and in written form.
• Relate to parents and staff.
• Assess language development and cognitive skill functioning.
• Instruct students in academic areas.
• Develop shared student time in regular education programs.
• Communicate clearly and concisely in oral and written form.
• Establish effective rapport with pupils.
• Monitor children in classrooms.
• Display the use of good judgment in making decisions.
• Maintain professional relationships with pupils, parents, colleagues and supervising staff members.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Maintain acceptable standards of physical health, energy, and emotional adjustment to the job environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination equivalent to: Bachelor’s degree and teacher certification related to students served.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Valid AZ Special Education Certificate K-8; Cross Categorical Endorsement and/or Early Childhood Special Education Certification and Appropriately Certified” under the Every Student Succeeds Act.

Valid First Aid and CPR certificates.

WORKING CONDITIONS

ENVIRONMENT:

Classroom environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Hearing and speaking to exchange information.

Dexterity of hands and fingers to demonstrate activities.

Seeing to read a variety of materials and monitor students.

Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students.

Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.

EVALUATION

Job performance will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on Evaluation of Professional Staff Personnel.

Salary : $51,750